Fully integrated radio frequency terminal system

ABSTRACT

An integrated radio frequency terminal system includes an integrated modem configured to receive user data and communicate user data to and from a user device. The integrated modem includes a transmit tuner configured to receive the user data and convert the user data from baseband to an intermediate frequency band. The integrated modem includes a receive tuner connected to the baseband modem device and configured to convert received incoming data in the intermediate frequency band to baseband and provide the converted incoming data to the baseband modem device. The system includes a power amplifier connected to the integrated modem and configured to convert the user data from the intermediate frequency band to a radio frequency band. The system includes a low noise amplifier connected to the integrated modem and configured to convert received incoming data from the radio frequency band to the intermediate frequency band.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.16/469,123, entitled “Fully Integrated Radio Frequency Terminal System,”filed on Jun. 12, 2019, which is a U.S. national stage of InternationalPCT Application No. PCT/US2017/067995, filed on Dec. 21, 2017, whichclaims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/536,356, titled “Fully Integrated RF Terminal,” filed on Jul. 24,2017 and also claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/438,371, titled “Fully Integrated Radio FrequencySystem,” filed on Dec. 22, 2016, the entire contents of all applicationsare hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present disclosure generally relates radio frequency communicationsystems.

2. Description of the Related Art

Radio frequency communication systems have evolved on architecture basedon the limits of contemporary hardware design. This has resulted insystems that do not take full advantage of advances in radio frequencyand digital circuit integration and miniaturization. In particular,digital modulation and demodulation (modem) functions have traditionallybeen separated from radio frequency conversion and amplificationfunctions. This allowed the previously large and complex modem functionsto reside at the user end of the system in a more protected environment.

Conventionally, only those functions which required low loss directconnection to the antenna (e.g., transmission power amplifier, receivelow noise amplifier) were placed at the antenna. The interface betweenmodem and antenna electronics was accomplished with fixed tuned blockconverters mounted near the antenna to convert the high radio frequencyfrequencies to a lower intermediate frequency band. Relatively longbroadband intermediate frequency cables provided the link betweenantenna mounted electronics and the modem.

This architecture was created when a modem was implemented as a largechassis full of analog and digital electronics, but has significantdisadvantages. Accordingly, there is a need for an improved system.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is an integrated radio frequency terminal system. Thesystem includes an integrated modem. The integrated modem includes abaseband modem device configured to receive user data and communicateuser data to and from a user device via a digital interface cable. Theintegrated modem also includes a transmit tuner connected to thebaseband modem device and configured to receive the user data andconvert the user data from baseband to an intermediate frequency band.The integrated modem also includes a receive tuner connected to thebaseband modem device and configured to convert received incoming datain an intermediate frequency band to baseband and provide the convertedincoming data to the baseband modem device. The system also includes apower amplifier connected to the integrated modem and configured toconvert the user data from the intermediate frequency band to a radiofrequency band. The system also includes a low noise amplifier connectedto the integrated modem and configured to convert received incoming datafrom the radio frequency band to the intermediate frequency band.

Also disclosed is an integrated radio frequency terminal system. Thesystem includes an integrated modem. The integrated modem includes abaseband modem device configured to receive user data and communicateuser data to and from a user device via a digital interface cable. Theintegrated modem includes a transmit tuner connected to the basebandmodem device and configured to receive the user data and convert theuser data from baseband to a radio frequency band without converting toan intermediate frequency band. The integrated modem includes a receivetuner connected to the baseband modem device and configured to convertreceived incoming data in the radio frequency band to baseband withoutconverting to an intermediate frequency band and provide the convertedincoming data to the baseband modem device. The system includes anantenna device connected to the integrated modem and configured totransmit the user data in the radio frequency band and receive theincoming data in the radio frequency band.

Also disclosed is a method of transmitting user data. The methodincludes receiving, by an integrated modem located proximal to anantenna device, user data in baseband frequency. The method alsoincludes converting, by the integrated modem, the user data frombaseband frequency to radio frequency. The method also includesreceiving, by the antenna device, the converted user data. The methodalso includes transmitting, by the antenna device, the converted userdata in radio frequency.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will be or will become apparent to one of ordinary skill inthe art upon examination of the following figures and detaileddescription. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods,features, and advantages be included within this description, be withinthe scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanyingclaims. Component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily toscale, and may be exaggerated to better illustrate the importantfeatures of the present invention. In the drawings, like referencenumerals designate like parts throughout the different views, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an integrated radio frequency terminal system usingintermediate frequency conversion according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an integrated radio frequency terminal system using directconversion according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an integrated radio frequency terminal system using a digitalpredistortion device according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 is an integrated radio frequency terminal system using a portexpander according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a process of the integrated radio frequencyterminal system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Conventionally, digital modulation and demodulation (modem) functionsare separated from radio frequency conversion and amplificationfunctions. This allows the previously large and complex modem functionsto reside at the user end of the system in a more protected environment.Accordingly, only those functions which required low loss directconnection to the antenna (e.g., transmission power amplifier andreceive low noise amplifier) were placed at the antenna. The interfacebetween modem and antenna electronics was accomplished with fixed tunedblock converters mounted near the antenna to convert the high radiofrequency frequencies to a lower intermediate frequency band. Longbroadband intermediate frequency cables provided the link betweenantenna mounted electronics and the modem.

However, when a modem is capable of being implemented as a singleintegrated circuit, this conventional architecture becomes unnecessaryand has important disadvantages. Use of a fixed broadband intermediatefrequency link and separate modem within the conventional radiofrequency terminals increases cost and imposes performance limitations.The system described herein integrates all radio frequency functions andmodem functions within the terminal to mitigate these disadvantages. Byintegrating all radio frequency functions and modem functions,intermediate frequency cable links may be removed, and the resultingintegrated system may be capable of improved performance. In addition,the system described herein improves size, weight, and powerrequirements of the system, when compared to conventional systems.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example embodiment of the fully integrated radiofrequency terminal system, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

The fully integrated radio frequency terminal system 100 includes anintegrated modem 102, a power amplifier 110, a low noise amplifier 112,and an antenna device 114. The integrated modem 102, the power amplifier110, and the low noise amplifier 112 may be physically located outsideand proximal to the antenna device 114. For example, the integratedmodem 102, the power amplifier 110, and the low noise amplifier 112 maybe located within several feet of the antenna device 114 or may share acommon housing. This is different from a conventional system, where amodem is located proximal to the user device, a radio frequency (RF)assembly is located proximal to the antenna device, and intermediatefrequency (IF) cables are run between the modem and the RF assembly.These intermediate frequency cables, commonly operating in L-band, maybe long and may cause mixer spur issues, as a relatively wide bandwidthmust be used. Standardized intermediate frequency bands may also causeissues for some radio frequency bands due to location of higher ordermixer spurious products and force use of more conversion stages. Use ofL-band also results in difficult mixer spurious issues in IF to Ku (orother frequency) conversion due to wide intermediate frequency bandwidth(BW) (up to 950 to 1700 MHz for wide band TX, up to 950 to 2750 forwideband RX). The L-band systems may involve difficult filters and/orspur cancellation. In addition, L-Band cable losses and frequencyresponse degrade system performance and force wider TX and RX dynamicrange to compensate for cable loss variation. Long cable runs mayinclude more expensive low loss cable, in some installations.

In some embodiments, the integrated modem 102, the power amplifier 110,and the low noise amplifier 112 are within a single housing. In otherembodiments, the integrated modem 102 is within a first housing and thepower amplifier 110 and the low noise amplifier 112 are within a secondhousing. In some embodiments, some or all of the antenna device 114 isin the same housing as the integrated modem 102. In many embodiments,the integrated modem 102, the power amplifier 110, and the low noiseamplifier 112 are within a housing located outdoors, and the digitalinterface cable facilitating transmission of the user data 116terminates indoors, to a user device or a port expander (as shown inFIG. 4 ). The user device may be a processor, a router and/or acomputing device.

The integrated modem 102 includes a baseband modem device 104 configuredto receive a baseband signal of user data 116. The user data 116 may besent to the integrated modem 102 via a digital interface cable, whichdoes not affect transmission performance. Because the integrated modem102 is located proximal to the antenna device 114, the digital interfacecable may be longer than in previous conventional systems, and thelength of the digital interface cable may vary based on context andapplication. However, cable loss for digital signals is lower than forintermediate frequency cables, so longer cable runs (using digitalinterface cables versus intermediate frequency cables) are possiblewithout performance deterioration. While digital interface cables aredescribed as being used herein, any digital link approach, includingfiber optics, may be used to communicate user data 116. Power for thesystem may be sourced near the antenna device 114 or via a separatepower cable.

The integrated modem 102 also includes a transmit tuner 106 and areceive tuner 108. The transmit tuner 106 tunes a received basebandsignal and converts the baseband signal to an intermediate frequency.The intermediate frequency may be any frequency between the basebandfrequency and the radio frequency used by the antenna device 114.

The intermediate frequency signal is then provided to a power amplifier110, which converts the intermediate frequency signal to the radiofrequency band signals. The radio frequency band signals may have aradio frequency anywhere in the electromagnetic spectrum. In someembodiments, the radio frequency band signals are in the Ku band orhigher. The antenna device 114 receives the radio frequency band signalsand transmits them via an RF link 118. The RF link 118, as used herein,refers to the space between two antenna systems exchanging data (e.g.,the antenna device 114 and a corresponding antenna device communicatingwith the antenna device 114).

The application of the user data transmission may be digitallyconfigured and adjusted without modifying the physical components of thesystem 100. For example, the user data may be transmitted usingsatellite communications or may be transmitted using terrestrialcommunications by configuring the transmit tuner 106. The transmit tuner106 includes a local oscillator, which may be an adjustable, agile localoscillator configured to provide any number of different waveforms.Thus, the system 100 is not limited to one type of communications.Accordingly, the receive tuner 108 also may have an adjustable, agilelocal oscillator.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 , the transmit tuner 106 and thereceive tuner 108 also include a mixer and a bandpass filter.

The antenna device 114 may receive data from via the RF link 118 in theradio frequency band, and the antenna device 114 may provide thereceived data to the low noise amplifier 112 for converting down to anintermediate frequency. The converted data is provided to the receivetuner 108 for further conversion down to baseband, so that the data canbe passed to the user device via the baseband modem device 104.

The system 100 converts the baseband to the radio frequency band in twosteps: once from the baseband to the intermediate frequency and oncefrom the intermediate frequency to the radio frequency. The intermediatefrequency used does not require a high level of bandwidth, as comparedto previous systems, as the integrated modem 102 is located nearby theantenna device 114, and lengthy intermediate frequency cable runs arenot used. This reduction in bandwidth used eliminates many of the issuespresent in conventional systems. By having the various components of thesystem located proximal to the antenna device 114, the system is mademore efficient, more compact, cheaper to produce, easier to maintain,and lighter.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of the fully integrated radiofrequency terminal system, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

The system 200 is similar to the system 100, and like parts are numberedsimilarly. The system 200 includes an integrated modem 202 locatedproximal to an antenna device 214. The integrated modem 202 has abaseband modem device 204 configured to transmit and receive user data216 to and from a user device. The user device may be a processor, arouter or a computing device.

The user data 216 received by the integrated modem 202 via the basebandmodem device 204 is converted from the baseband to the radio frequencyband. This conversion may be accomplished by a transmit tuner 206 or ablock upconverter. In some embodiments, a solid state power amplifier isalso used. The antenna device 214 receives the user data 216 in radiofrequency band, and transmits it via the RF link 218.

The antenna device 214 receives data via the RF link 218 and transmitsit to the integrated modem 202. The received data is converted from theradio frequency band to the baseband. This conversion may beaccomplished by a receive tuner 208 or a low noise block downconverter.The baseband modem device 204 receives the data converted to basebandand provides the data to the user device.

The integrated modem 202 is located proximal to the antenna device 214and away from the user device. As a result, the user data 216 istransmitting along a relatively long digital interface cable. Asdescribed herein, cable loss for digital signals is lower than forintermediate frequency cables, so longer cable runs are possible withoutperformance deterioration. While digital interface cables are describedas being used herein, any digital link approach, including fiber optics,may be used to communicate user data 216. As described herein, the longdigital interface cable being used is preferable to the conventionalsystems where a long intermediate frequency cable is used. The system200 minimizes radio frequency losses for best transmission (TX) powerefficiency and receiving (RX) noise figure.

The system provides a single conversion TX and RX paths (basebandto/from Ku Band). Passive TX reject (in RX path) and RX reject (in TXpath) filters and other antenna components may change with application,but electronics are agile across approximately 1 octave bandwidth,limited by local oscillator tuning range and quadrature hybridperformance.

Added modem functions may be achieved with less size, weight, and power(SWaP) than is gained by simplifying the TX and RX radio frequencychains, so net SWaP of antenna mounted components is reduced whencompared to L-Band intermediate frequency systems. The total cost of thesystem may be reduced by elimination of separate component assemblies.

The system encounters no mixer spurious issues, since widebandintermediate frequency transmission is eliminated. Baseband filteringand pre-distortion are used to meet TX spectrum requirements. RXselectivity is achieved with baseband filtering. Filtering andpre-distortion (as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 ) can be implementeddigitally.

The system 200 performs the same functions as the system 100, but thesystem 200 does not convert the baseband to any intermediate frequency,but rather converts the baseband directly to the radio frequency band.Depending on the cost of various internal components described herein,the most cost effective solution among the various embodiments of thesystem may change, but all embodiments of the system are preferable tothe conventional system, for the reasons described herein.

Similar to the system 100, the application of the user data transmissionmay be digitally configured and adjusted without modifying the physicalcomponents of the system 200. For example, the user data may betransmitted using satellite communications or may be transmitted usingterrestrial communications by configuring the transmit tuner 206, whichincludes an adjustable, agile local oscillator configured to provide anynumber of different waveforms. Thus, the system 200 is not limited toone type of communications. Accordingly, the receive tuner 208 also mayhave an adjustable, agile local oscillator. In some embodiments, asshown in FIG. 2 , the transmit tuner 206 and the receive tuner 208 alsoinclude a mixer and a bandpass filter.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example embodiment of the fully integrated radiofrequency terminal system, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The system 300 is similar to the system 100 and the system200, and like parts are numbered similarly.

The system 300 includes an integrated modem 302, a power amplifier 310,a low noise amplifier 312, and an antenna device 314. The integratedmodem 302, the power amplifier 310, and the low noise amplifier 312 maybe physically located proximal to the antenna device 314. As describedherein, this is different from a conventional system, where a modem islocated proximal to the user device, a radio frequency assembly islocated proximal to the antenna device, and IF cables connect the modemand the radio frequency assembly.

In some embodiments, the integrated modem 302, the power amplifier 310,and the low noise amplifier 312 are within a single housing. In otherembodiments, the integrated modem 302 is within a first housing and thepower amplifier 310 and the low noise amplifier 312 are within a secondhousing. In some embodiments, some or all of the antenna device 314 isin the same housing as the integrated modem 302.

The integrated modem 302 includes a baseband modem device 304 configuredto receive a baseband signal of user data 316 and transmit a basebandsignal of user data 316. The user data 316 may be sent to the integratedmodem 302 via a digital interface cable, which does not affecttransmission performance. While digital interface cables are describedas being used herein, any digital link approach, including fiber optics,may be used to communicate user data 316. Power for the system may besourced near the antenna device 314 or via a separate power cable.

The integrated modem 302 includes a digital predistortion device 320configured to reduce distortion of the user data 316 as it is processedfor transmission by the antenna device 314. The digital predistortiondevice 320 receives a sample of the data signal after it is converted tothe radio frequency band by the transmit tuner 306 and the poweramplifier 310, and the digital predistortion device compensates fordistortion detected in the sample, such that distortion in subsequentdata is reduced.

The integrated modem 302 also includes a transmit tuner 306 and areceive tuner 308. The transmit tuner 306 tunes a received, digitallypredistorted baseband signal and converts the baseband signal to anintermediate frequency. The intermediate frequency signal is thenprovided to a power amplifier 310, which converts the intermediatefrequency signal to the radio frequency band signals. The antenna device314 receives the radio frequency band signals and transmits them via anRF link 318.

The antenna device 314 may receive data via the RF link 318 in the radiofrequency band, and the antenna device 314 may provide the received datato the low noise amplifier 312 for converting down to an intermediatefrequency. The converted data is provided to the receive tuner 308 forfurther conversion down to baseband, so that the data can be passed tothe user device via the baseband modem device 304.

Similar to the system 100, the system 300 converts the baseband to theradio frequency band (and back) in two steps: once from the baseband tothe intermediate frequency and once from the intermediate frequency toradio frequency. The intermediate frequency used does not require a highlevel of bandwidth, as compared to previous systems, as the integratedmodem 302 is located nearby the antenna device 314, and lengthyintermediate frequency cable runs are not used. By having the variouscomponents of the system located proximal to the antenna device 314, thesystem is made more efficient, more compact, cheaper to produce, easierto maintain, and lighter.

Similar to the systems 100 and 200, the application of the user datatransmission may be digitally configured and adjusted without modifyingthe physical components of the system 300. For example, the user datamay be transmitted using satellite communications or may be transmittedusing terrestrial communications by configuring the transmit tuner 306,which includes an adjustable, agile local oscillator configured toprovide any number of different waveforms. Thus, the system 300 is notlimited to one type of communications. Accordingly, the receive tuner308 also may have an adjustable, agile local oscillator. In someembodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 , the transmit tuner 306 and the receivetuner 308 also include a mixer and a bandpass filter.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of the fully integrated radiofrequency terminal system, according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. The system 400 is similar to the system 100, the system 200,and the system 300, and like parts are numbered similarly.

The system 400 includes an integrated modem 402, a power amplifier 410,a low noise amplifier 412, and an antenna device 414. The integratedmodem 402, the power amplifier 410, and the low noise amplifier 412 maybe physically located proximal to the antenna device 414. As describedherein, this is different from a conventional system, where a modem islocated proximal to the user device, a radio frequency assembly islocated proximal to the antenna device, and intermediate frequencycables are run between the modem and the radio frequency assembly.

In some embodiments, the integrated modem 402, the power amplifier 410,and the low noise amplifier 412 are within a single housing. In otherembodiments, the integrated modem 402 is within a first housing and thepower amplifier 410 and the low noise amplifier 412 are within a secondhousing. In some embodiments, some or all of the antenna device 414 isin the same housing as the integrated modem 402.

The integrated modem 402 includes a baseband modem device 404 configuredto receive a baseband signal of user data and transmit a baseband signalof user data. The user data may be sent to the integrated modem 402 viaa digital interface cable, which does not affect transmissionperformance. While digital interface cables are described as being usedherein, any digital link approach, including fiber optics, may be usedto communicate user data.

The user data 416 from a plurality of user devices may be received by aport expander 424. The port expander 424 may receive a plurality of datastreams and transmit the plurality of data streams as a single datastream (e.g., data 426) to a single recipient (e.g., the integratedmodem 402). In addition, the port expander 424 may receive a data streamfrom a single source (e.g., the integrated modem 402) and may separatethe data stream into a plurality of data streams (e.g., user data 416).By incorporating the port expander 424, more user devices may haveaccess to the system 400 for transmitting and receiving data.

The port expander 424 may be located proximal to the integrated modem402, such that the data 426 travels through a relatively short digitalinterface cable and the user data 416 travels through a relatively longdigital interface cable. Alternatively, the port expander 424 may belocated away from the integrated modem 402, such that the data 426travels through a relatively long digital interface cable.

The integrated modem 402 includes a digital predistortion device 420configured to reduce distortion of the user data 416 as it is processedfor transmission by the antenna device 414. The digital predistortiondevice 420 receives a sample of the data signal after it is converted tothe radio frequency band by the transmit tuner 406 and the poweramplifier 410, and the digital predistortion device 420 compensates fordistortion detected in the sample, such that distortion in subsequentdata is reduced.

The integrated modem 402 also includes a transmit tuner 406 and areceive tuner 408. The transmit tuner 406 tunes a received, digitallypredistorted baseband signal and converts the baseband signal to anintermediate frequency. The intermediate frequency signal is thenprovided to a power amplifier 410, which converts the intermediatefrequency signal to the radio frequency band signals. The antenna device314 receives the radio frequency band signals and transmits them via anRF link 418.

The antenna device 414 may receive data via the RF link 318 in the radiofrequency band, and the antenna device 414 may provide the received datato the low noise amplifier 412 for converting down to an intermediatefrequency. The converted data is provided to the receive tuner 308 forfurther conversion down to baseband, so that the data can be passed tothe user device via the baseband modem device 404.

Similar to the system 100 and the system 300, the system 400 convertsthe baseband to the radio frequency band (and back) in two steps: oncefrom the baseband to the intermediate frequency and once from theintermediate frequency to the radio frequency. The intermediatefrequency used does not require a high level of bandwidth, as comparedto previous systems, as the integrated modem 402 is located nearby theantenna device 414, and lengthy intermediate frequency cable runs arenot used. By having the various components of the system locatedproximal to the antenna device 414, the system is made more efficient,more compact, cheaper to produce, easier to maintain, and lighter.

Similar to the systems 100, 200, and 300 the application of the userdata transmission may be digitally configured and adjusted withoutmodifying the physical components of the system 400. For example, theuser data may be transmitted using satellite communications or may betransmitted using terrestrial communications by configuring the transmittuner 406, which includes an adjustable, agile local oscillatorconfigured to provide any number of different waveforms. Thus, thesystem 400 is not limited to one type of communications. Accordingly,the receive tuner 408 also may have an adjustable, agile localoscillator. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4 , the transmit tuner406 and the receive tuner 408 also include a mixer and a bandpassfilter.

The systems described herein (e.g., the system 100, the system 200, thesystem 300, and the system 400) are usable with any antenna type.

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a process of the integrated radiofrequency terminal system.

The process 500 begins with an integrated modem (e.g., integrated modem102, 202, 302, 402) receiving user data (e.g., user data 116, 216, 316,416) in baseband frequency (step 502). As described herein, the userdata may be received from a user device. The user device may be locatedindoors and the integrated modem may be located outdoors, proximal tothe antenna device.

A predistortion device (e.g., digital predistortion device 320, 420)predistorts the user data in baseband frequency (step 504). Bypredistorting the user data, the transmitted radio frequency data may bemade clearer.

The integrated modem converts the user data from a baseband frequency toa radio frequency (step 506). The radio frequency may be in the Ku bandor higher. The integrated modem may convert the user data from thebaseband frequency to the radio frequency either in one step or in twosteps, from the baseband frequency to an intermediate frequency, andfrom an intermediate frequency to the radio frequency, as describedherein. The intermediate frequency may be any frequency between thebaseband frequency and the radio frequency.

An antenna device (e.g., antenna device 114, 214, 314, 414) receives theconverted user data (step 508). The converted user data is in radiofrequency and the antenna device transmits the converted user data (step510).

The antenna device may receive incoming data in radio frequency (step512). The antenna device provides the incoming data to the integratedmodem (step 514). The integrated modem converts the incoming data to thebaseband frequency (step 516). The integrated modem may convert theincoming data to the baseband frequency in one step or in two steps,from the radio frequency to the intermediate frequency, and from theintermediate frequency to the baseband frequency. The integrated modemthen provides the incoming data in the baseband frequency to the userdevice (step 518).

Where used throughout the specification and the claims, “at least one ofA or B” includes “A” only, “B” only, or “A and B.” Exemplary embodimentsof the methods/systems have been disclosed in an illustrative style.Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout should be read in anon-limiting manner. Although minor modifications to the teachingsherein will occur to those well versed in the art, it shall beunderstood that what is intended to be circumscribed within the scope ofthe patent warranted hereon are all such embodiments that reasonablyfall within the scope of the advancement to the art hereby contributed,and that that scope shall not be restricted, except in light of theappended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An integrated radio frequency terminal systemcomprising: an integrated modem including: a baseband modem deviceconfigured to receive user data and communicate user data to and from auser device via a digital interface cable, a transmit tuner connected tothe baseband modem device and configured to receive the user data andconvert the user data from baseband to an intermediate frequency band,the transmit tuner having a transmit-side adjustable, agile localoscillator configured to provide a plurality of waveforms, causingtransmission of the user data to be digitally configured and adjustedwithout physically modifying the integrated modem; a power amplifierconnected to the integrated modem and configured to convert the userdata from the intermediate frequency band to a radio frequency band; adigital predistortion device connecting the baseband modem device andthe transmit tuner, and configured to digitally predistort the user datain baseband and provide the digitally predistorted user data in basebanddirectly to the transmit tuner, receive a sample of the data signalafter the data signal is converted to the radio frequency band by thepower amplifier, and compensate for distortion detected in the sample toreduce distortion in subsequent data; a receive tuner connected to thebaseband modem device and configured to convert received incoming datain an intermediate frequency band to baseband and provide the convertedincoming data to the baseband modem device; a low noise amplifierconnected to the integrated modem and configured to convert the receivedincoming data from the radio frequency band to the intermediatefrequency band; and a port expander connected to the digital interfacecable, the port expander configured to receive respective digital userdata for a plurality of computing devices each generating digital userdata.
 2. The integrated radio frequency terminal system of claim 1,wherein the radio frequency is in the Ku band or higher.
 3. Theintegrated radio frequency terminal system of claim 1, furthercomprising an antenna device configured to: receive, from the poweramplifier, the user data in the radio frequency, transmit the user datain the radio frequency, receive incoming data in the radio frequency,and provide the incoming data in the radio frequency to the low noiseamplifier for conversion to the intermediate frequency.
 4. Theintegrated radio frequency terminal system of claim 3, wherein theintegrated modem, the power amplifier, and the low noise amplifier arein a single housing configured to be located outdoors and proximal tothe antenna device.
 5. The integrated radio frequency terminal system ofclaim 1, wherein the intermediate frequency is any frequency betweenbaseband and the radio frequency.
 6. The integrated radio frequencyterminal system of claim 1, wherein the integrated modem, the poweramplifier, and the low noise amplifier are in a single housingconfigured to be located outdoors and proximal to an antenna device andwherein the port expander is configured to be located indoors.
 7. Amethod of transmitting and receiving data, the method comprising:receiving, by a port expander, respective digital user data for aplurality of computing devices each generating digital user data;receiving, by a baseband modem device of an integrated modem locatedproximal to an antenna device, user data in baseband frequency from theport expander; predistorting, by a digital predistortion device, theuser data in baseband frequency; converting, by a power amplifier, datasignal to a radio frequency; receiving, by the digital predistortiondevice, a sample of the data signal; compensating, by the digitalpredistortion device, distortion detected in the sample of the datasignal to reduce distortion in subsequent data; providing, by atransmit-side adjustable, agile local oscillator of a transmit tuner, aplurality of waveforms to be used to digitally configure and adjust theuser data without physically modifying the integrated modem; converting,by the transmit tuner of the integrated modem, the user data frombaseband frequency to intermediate frequency using one of the pluralityof waveforms provided by the transmit-side adjustable, agile localoscillator, the user data being received directly from the digitalpredistortion device; converting, by the power amplifier connected tothe integrated modem, the user data from the intermediate frequency to aradio frequency band to transmit the user data using the antenna device;receiving, by a low noise amplifier connected to the integrated modemand the antenna device, incoming data in the radio frequency band;converting, by the low noise amplifier, the incoming data from the radiofrequency band to the intermediate frequency; and converting, by areceive tuner connected to the baseband modem device, the receivedincoming data from the intermediate frequency to baseband frequency. 8.The method of claim 7, wherein the radio frequency band is in the Kuband or higher.
 9. The method of claim 7, further comprising: receiving,by the antenna device from the power amplifier, the user data in theradio frequency band; transmitting, by the antenna device, the user datain the radio frequency band; receiving, by the antenna device, theincoming data in the radio frequency band; and providing, by the antennadevice, the incoming data in the radio frequency band to the low noiseamplifier for conversion to the intermediate frequency.